Polypeptide ESDN, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide, and utility of the polypeptide

Abstract

The invention discloses a useful and novel factor (polypeptide) which plays an important role for morbid vascular smooth muscle in restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronany angioplasty (PTCA) and arterial sclerosis in the field of cardiovascular system.

1. A purified polypeptide comprising the amino-acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 or 8, or a homologue that is at least 90% homologous to one of said sequences, said homologue having ESDN (Endothelial and Smooth muscle cell-Derived Neuropilin-like molecule) function. 
     
     
       2. The purified polypeptide according to  claim 1 , comprising the amino-acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 or 8. 
     
     
       3. A purified polypeptide consisting of the amino-acid sequences of residues 64–769 of SEQ ID NO: 5 or 8, or a homologue that is at least 90% homologous to one of said sequences, said homologue having ESDN function. 
     
     
       4. The purified polypeptide according to  claim 3 , consisting of one of the amino-acid sequences of residues 64 to 769 shown in SEQ ID NO:5 or 8.